CUBES Intro

Understanding the CUBES

Mnemonic

A Tool for Problem Solving in Math

Step 1 - Circle the Numbers

Circle the Numbers

● Go through the problem and find all the numbers.
● Example: In the problem "Sarah has 12 apples and buys 5 more,"

• Circle 12 and 5.

Draw

Circle the numbers!

Step 2 - Underline the Question

● Identify what the problem is asking you to find.

● Example: In the previous example, underline "How many apples does Sarah have now?"

Draw

Underline the question!

Step 3 - Box the Keywords

● Look for important words that tell you what to do (add, subtract, multiply, or divide)

● Example: Box words like "has," "buys," "spends," "less than," and "total".

​Steve goes to the store with 50$ in his wallet. He spends 15 dollars on a book, and another 15 dollars on a new pencil case. How much money does Steve have after going to the store?

​BOX the Math Action Words

Draw

Box the keywords!

Step 4 - Evaluate the Problem

● Think about what the problem is asking.
● Questions to consider:

○ What operation do I need to use?
- What do I do now?

Draw

Circle, Underline, and Box. Then come up with a plan.

Step 5 - Solve and Check Your Work

● Perform the calculations and find the answer.
● Check your work by revisiting the original question.
● Example: 12+5=17.
Does this answer make sense in the context of the problem?

Draw

Practice Solving here!

Now its your turn!

• Practice the CUBES strategy

• Answer all four word problems

• When you are done, make sure i see your work is complete, and then you can work on homeowrk, or study using my google classroom!

Draw

Practice CUBES here

Draw

Practice CUBES here

Draw

Practice CUBES here

Draw

Practice CUBES here